'Britain is facing a decade of Russian hostility'

Shadow Defence Secretary's chilling warning...

- David Williamson and Jonathan Walker

BRITAIN faces a "decade of Russian aggression" but is not ready to fight a war, according to the man who may soon be in charge of the Armed Forces.

Shadow Defence Secretary John Healey wants Britain to "lead the charge" in the defence of Europe and is planning major reforms so the country can rise to dangerous challenges.

His first mission is tackling the legacy of the Jeremy Corbyn era and convincing the UK that Labour can be trusted to deter all foes.

He said: "Keir Starmer - within days of becoming leader in April 2020 pledged never again would Labour go into an election not trusted on national security."

The veteran of the Blair and Brown governments will face the greatest challenge of his political life if Labour wins power and he moves into the Ministry of Defence.

In an exclusive interview with the Sunday Express, he said: "Our biggest weakness is the state of our Armed Forces and a system which is not geared up to deter and if necessary to fight the conflicts that this century threatens us with."